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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender ground beef with al dente pasta shells in a rich, flavorful creamy sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef along with the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
  3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Incorporate Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering on low heat for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and luscious.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the beef and cream sauce mixture, ensuring all pasta is well-coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning for added aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version but expect a less thick sauce.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
  • Gluten-free pasta shells can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef shells, beef pasta recipe, comfort food, creamy pasta, Italian seasoning beef, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipes

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/